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Children Quote by Keith Ablow

“It is a terrible and exquisitely human irony that children inadequately nurtured almost never give up on the breast. The thirst for love from a mother or father who cannot provide it is seemingly unquenchable. I have treated sixty- and seventy-year-old business executives, politicians, and…” quote by Keith Ablow
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““It is a terrible and exquisitely human irony that children inadequately nurtured almost never give up on the breast. The thirst for love from a mother or father who cannot provide it is seemingly unquenchable. I have treated sixty- and seventy-year-old business executives, politicians, and physicians still desperate for approval from shriveled, emotionally barren men and women in their eighties and nineties. (257)””

Keith Ablow

About This Quote

Source Book: The Emotional Void, Keith Ablow, 2005

Even when deprived of love early, adults relentlessly seek parental approval, revealing a deep, unquenched yearning for affection.

In simple terms: Adults crave parental love despite early neglect.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and heal unmet emotional needs.

Themes

psychology attachment human behavior

Mood

introspective somber

Type

psychological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • family counseling
  • self‑help work
  • relationship building

Key Concepts

unmet needs emotional dependency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unmet childhood needs drive your current behavior?
  • How can you find validation beyond parental approval?
A Different Perspective

Healing may be hindered by denial or stigma.

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